“It was a great, great shock," his aunt said. "We’ve all been sitting on pins and needles and praying very hard."

On Facebook, a friend posted on Mintz's Facebook early on Friday morning: "Chris asked me to thank everyone for their support, he is grateful and keeping our community and all victims in his thoughts."

A second post added: "He is resting and in pain but smiling and the same ol Chris."

Mintz served in the Army between May 2004 and March 2007, records show. During his service, he received awards including the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He grew up in North Carolina and was stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington, but relocated to Oregon to raise his son.

Mintz is one of seven injured in the shooting. Ten other people died, including gunman Chris Harper-Marcer, 26, who was shot dead by deputies responding to 911 calls.